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Community urges Rondout Valley to fill retiring band director role; superintendent says budget includes replacement
Summary
Dozens of speakers during public comment urged the board to retain a full‑time middle‑school music teacher after a retirement; Superintendent Dr. Spadaro said the proposed budget includes funds to replace the position and noted a long‑term capital investment in a new band room.
During public comment on March 10, multiple parents, alumni and boosters urged the Rondout Valley Central School District Board of Education to keep the middle‑school/full‑time music position after the retirement of the band director.
Representatives of the music boosters and several parents described the middle school as "the birthplace" of the district's music program and said early, consistent instruction is critical to students' musical and academic development. The music boosters' president (identified in the record by role) urged the board to "please replace mister Clinton's position with another full time position," saying the scope and range of student levels requires dedicated staff at multiple grade levels.
One parent and organizer, Sarah Graves, said a petition started two days earlier had collected 573 signatures, a figure she read aloud to show community support. "In just 2 days, the last time I checked, we had 573 signatures," she told the board, representing parents, taxpayers and other community members.
Superintendent Dr. Spadaro responded during the budget discussion and while taking public comment, saying the administration had "put in this budget to replace the music teacher." He also noted a large capital investment tied to the district's long‑term building project: "We have $20,000,000 investment in our capital project, building a brand new band room here and refurbishing our auditorium," he said, framing the staffing decision as part of a broader investment in arts facilities.
Several current and former music teachers and students spoke to the program's academic and social benefits; one high‑school senior and multiple alumni described music participation as central to their development and future opportunities, including state‑level performances. Parents described individual students who benefited from continuity of instruction and praised specific teachers by name.
Board members thanked speakers and several trustees noted the district's priority on programs. The superintendent and business office said the proposed budget includes the replacement position; staff will present further budget detail in advance of the board's April meeting and the public vote on May 19.
